Preparation for this Assignment:

• Consider the stress reduction program presented in the scenario, including the program's goals and objectives.

• Evaluation Design and the article "Process Evaluations." Think about the differences between various types of process and summative (outcome) evaluations. Reflect on how to use both process and summative evaluations to measure a program's success.

• Select two types of program evaluation you think would best measure whether the stress reduction program provided in the scenario is meeting its goals and objectives. Consider the strengths and limitations of these evaluations.
 
(2-3 pages paper)

• Describe one process evaluation and one summative evaluation you might use to evaluate the program in the scenario.

• Explain the strengths and limitations of process evaluations and summative evaluations you selected.

• Explain which types of evaluation may best measure whether the stress reduction program provided in the scenario is meeting its goals and objectives and why.

• Justify your response using the Learning Resources and current literature.

Imagine that you are evaluating a stress reduction program at your clinic. The program has three major components: educational sessions, activity classes, and online resources.

The educational sessions provide information about stressors (causes of stress), the body's reaction to stress, and ways to reduce stress. The activity classes provide participants an opportunity to practice stress reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, and aerobic exercise.

The online resources provide information about stress through streaming video and include a stress reduction tracking system, a blogging area, and a helpline.

The goal of the program is to reduce the level of stress among program participants. The following outlines some of the program objectives:

• By the start of the stress reduction program, staff will have recruited at least 100 individuals to participate in it.

• By the end of the educational sessions, at least 90% of participants will be able to list three major stressors in their lives.

• By the end of the educational sessions, 95% of participants will be able describe to at least one other person what stress reduction techniques they have used and detail why they works or do not work for lowering stress.

When determining your program evaluation design, one of the most important factors to consider is your goals and objectives. You must know what you want to achieve so that you can use an evaluation design and evaluations that measure the success of your program. Once you have determined the variables you need to evaluate, you can begin to consider the types of evaluation that would be most appropriate for your program.